Middleton And Chay Go Head To Head

He's built up his reputation as one of the league's biggest punchers after a number of explosive first round finishes during his league campaign, and on Saturday February 23rd Queensbury Novice Light Heavyweight champion Ben Middleton returns to action to make the first defense of his title against the formidable Jason Chay. We caught up with both champion and challenger ahead of the big showdown that top's the league's exciting Challenger Boxing Series 3 show to get their views on the impending battle.

QBL: With just a couple of weeks to go until you lace up the gloves for the first defense of your Light Heavyweight title, talk us through your preparations for this fight and how things have been going leading up to the show.

Ben Middleton: My traning for this fight has been very hard. I've been working on a lot of things in the gym and putting in the work, so I'm feeling 100% fit, powerful and very focused for the fight.

QBL: There are only a couple of weeks to go until you step through the ropes for your crack at Queensbury Light Heavyweight champion Ben Middleton, talk us through your preparations for this fight and how training has been going leading up to the show.

Jason Chay: Things are really good in camp. I've been training like never before, and my preparations are right on track so we are ready to go.

QBL: Both you and Chay have been involved in exciting fights in the league, and you've been able to study those previous contests. What strengths do you think Jason Chay brings to the table in this fight, and do you think you will have the solution to those problems on the night?

Ben Middleton: I think Jason brings a great deal to this fight. He is very technical and has a great defence. I've worked very hard during my training to counter the problems he may bring to this fight so we will see on the night how I've improved.

QBL: Both you and Middleton have been involved in exciting fights in the league, and you've been able to study those previous contests. What strengths do you think Ben Middleton brings to the table in this fight, and do you think you will have the solution to those problems on the night?

Jason Chay: I know Ben is a strong fighter, but I’ve been sparring some big Heavyweights in my preparations for this fight and I’ve bee hurting them, so without giving too much away I think I've got the tools to deal with what he brings to the fight.

QBL: Without revealing your game plan for the 23rd, have you tailored your training specifically around any weaknesses you have seen in Jason Chay's previous fights in the league?

Ben Middleton: I will let you know my game plan inside that ring on the night. To be honest I know Jason will be really up for this fight, but i know i will have what is needed to beat him.

QBL: Without giving too much of you game plan away, has any of your training been tailored specifically around any weaknesses you have seen in the champions previous fights in the league?

Jason Chay: I will let you see what we’ve been working on the 23rd of February.

QBL: How confident are you that when the action is done and dusted in this fight, you will still have that belt strapped around your waist?

Ben Middleton: My answer to that is I will be the one standing at the end of the fight with my arm raised. I need to perform in this fight and believe me you will see a different fighter on fight night.

QBL: How confident are you that when the MC announces the winner of this fight, it will be Jason Chay's name being called out as the new Queensbury Light Heavyweight champion.

Jason Chay: I’m very confident. I don’t want to take anything away from Ben, but I’ve honestly never ever been hurt during sparring or in any of my fights, and I’ve been sparring some talented heavyweights in the build up to this title shot, so its going to be my name announced as the winner.

QBL: And your predictions for this fight. How does it all end?

Ben Middleton: It's going to be a bad day for Chay when Middleton puts him away.

QBL: And your predictions for this fight. How does it all end?

Jason Chay: With me winning the fight, and getting my hands on that title.